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Stay-at-home Americans shun the K Club

SO MUCH for the Americans’ promise to rediscover their interest in the Ryder Cup, writes Paul Forsyth. After their record-breaking defeat in Detroit last September, a new captain resolved to foster in his team the kind of commitment that has enabled Europe to dominate in recent years. But, just seven months into his tenure, with another 15 to go before hostilities are resumed at the K Club, Tom Lehman has been given a sobering rebuff.

Lehman, successor to the hapless Hal Sutton, arrives in County Kildare this week for the Smurfit European Open all too aware that it was a last chance for his players to familiarise themselves with the Palmer Course, which is to stage the 2006 match. That not one of his compatriots has chosen to take the opportunity speaks volumes for their continued indifference towards the Ryder Cup. While the top Europeans are out in force around